​Fiji have previously beaten Wales twice in their history, with victories recorded in 2007 and 2024 [Huw Evans Picture Agency]. This week, rugby fans have been puzzled by a question: why is Fiji playing a so-called “home” game in Cardiff against Wales in the new Nations Championship, a venue about 10,000 miles from Suva, Fiji’s capital? Fiji will play all three of their “home” matches in the United Kingdom because their national stadium does not meet competition requirements, and other factors such as travel logistics and commercial value were also considered. The plan is for Fiji to raise enough revenue to build a 25,000-seat stadium in Suva on 60 acres of recently acquired land, a dream they hope to realize by the 2030 tournament. “That’s what we’re all wishing for, that in a couple of years, we might have a stadium that will host our team,” said acting head coach Senirusi Seruvakula. “So it would be good to have this game in the future in our country and the people there will come out in numbers and watching in our stadium.”
Fiji will create a home-from-home in Cardiff as they prepare for their long-term ambitions. They are set to face England in Liverpool and Scotland in Edinburgh, but this weekend’s match marks the start of a journey that brings a touch of Suva to the Welsh capital. Organisers have promised a programme of cultural activities to showcase Fiji’s traditions, heritage and hospitality to supporters. Fans entering the stadium will be greeted by traditional Fijian warriors and cultural performers, while outside the ground an authentic Fijian village will be established. “It will be a great experience, but while this is a home match for us, we know we are playing Wales on their own turf,” Seruvakula said. “So it’s good to have that challenge because it’s not the first time the Flying Fijians are playing away from home.”
The Fijian public, too, will wake up early on Sunday morning to support their heroes, as has long been the case. “It has been like that for many years now and we love the support and love we get,” Seruvakula added. The Nations Championship will present its own logistical challenges, including travel and player welfare, but for Fiji it marks a welcome opportunity to compete at rugby’s top level, a status they have earned through recent strong performances that include wins against Wales, Australia, Scotland and England, plus a quarter-final finish at the 2023 World Cup. Seruvakula has emphasised how crucial World Rugby’s new tournament is for Fiji’s future.